Flow Cytometry Laboratory

In hematologic cancers, flow cytometry method is benefited in evaluation of diseases by which the quantitative, physical and functional characteristics of immune cells. The presence of molecules on the surfaces of cells and their level changes are analyzed with this method. Diagnosis and determination of sub-types of leukemia and lymphoma (immunophenotyping), designation of lymphocyte subgroups and cell cycle-DNA analyses are performed.

How is the test performed?

Mononuclear cell suspension is prepared with peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The panel to be proceeded is defined in accordance with the possible diagnosis of patient. For acute and chronic leukemia, the cells are marked with monoclonal antibodies that include lymphoid and myeloid cell markers. Then the cells are analyzed with flow cytometry in accordance with largeness, granularity and colors of marked monoclonal antibodies.

Considerations for flow cytometry test

For the test, 2-3 ml of blood or bone marrow samples are taken from patients into tubes with EDTA (purple covered) in the departments that they are examined. The maximum volumes of samples of other body fluids as far as possible (effusion, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) should be taken.

Sample admission is proceeded on every weekdays, except Fridays, between 08:00 and 12:00. The patient should apply to Basic Oncology Subdivision, with the routing documents received from the departments that the patients are examined.

Test result can be received from the secretariat of relevant division via hospital system or from the Secretariat of Basic Oncology Subdivision, after 14:00 on the next day.